Where to drink Champagne in Strasbourg?
Strasbourg has a strong wine culture of its own, so Champagne is joining a scene that already takes wine seriously. You’ll find it in restaurants, wine bars and other drinking spots around the city, whether you’re looking for a glass during the day, an aperitif before dinner or a bottle to share over a meal.
But Strasbourg is also a great place to discover Alsace wines. The Alsace Wine Route starts just a few kilometres outside the city and runs for around 170 km through the vineyards and villages at the foot of the Vosges.
Strasbourg is one of those cities where food and wine are closely connected. The traditional winstub is a good example – these cosy Alsatian bistros were originally places where winemakers served their own wine alongside local food. Today, they remain one of the easiest ways to experience Alsatian cuisine and wine in the same place.
If you’re spending a few days here, it’s worth trying some Alsace wines alongside your Champagne. The region is particularly known for aromatic white wines and a range of grape varieties, including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. You’ll also find sparkling Crémant d’Alsace, which is probably the most obvious local alternative to Champagne. The region has a long tradition of producing it, so it’s worth trying while you’re here.
Food is an equally big part of the Strasbourg experience. Tarte flambée, choucroute and baeckeoffe are among the local specialities, and they give you a very different pairing experience from the seafood and lighter dishes often associated with Champagne.
And if you have time to leave the city, the Alsace Wine Route is an easy addition to your trip. It passes through around 70 wine villages, including places such as Obernai, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Eguisheim. Most wineries are open year-round, although booking ahead is still a good idea if you have specific producers you want to visit.
Good to know
Strasbourg works particularly well if you want to combine Champagne with something genuinely local. Spend an afternoon exploring the old town, stop for Champagne, then have dinner in a traditional winstub with a glass of Alsace wine.
And if you’re travelling during the colder months, Strasbourg’s famous Christmas markets add another layer to the experience. The surrounding wine villages are also particularly atmospheric at this time of year, although the Wine Route is worth visiting in every season.
